Stock Market & Financial Investment News

Smart & Final IPO could come as early as this year, WSJ reportsAccording to sources, Smart & Final Holdings Corp., which is majority owned by private-equity firm Ares Management, is preparing for an IPO, the Wall Street Journal reports. The IPO could come as early as this year and raise over $300M, the sources say. Ares bought its stake in Smart & Final in 2012 from Apollo Global for $975M. Reference Link

Great Wolf Resorts to be acquired by affiliate of Centerbridge PartnersGreat Wolf Resorts announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement and plan of merger with an affiliate of Centerbridge Partners, whereby Centerbridge will acquire Great Wolf. Great Wolf is currently controlled by funds affiliated with Apollo Global Management (APO).